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Qudian Inc. Reports First Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

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XIAMEN, China, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qudian Inc. (“Qudian” or “the Company” or “We”) (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

Total revenues were RMB55.8 million (US$7.7 million), compared to RMB21.9 million for the same period of last yearNet loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB73.6 million (US$10.2 million), compared to net income of RMB414.3 million for the same period of last year; net loss per diluted ADS was RMB0.38 (US$0.05) for the first quarter of 2024Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB73.5 million (US$10.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP net income of RMB416.0 million for the same period of last year. We exclude share-based compensation expenses from our non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP net loss per diluted ADS was RMB0.38 (US$0.05) for the first quarter of 2024

“We are pleased to announce the exciting advancements in the development of our smart last-mile delivery business, which generated approximately RMB53.8 million in revenue in first quarter of 2024, compared to RMB0.3 million for the first quarter of 2023,” said Mr. Min Luo, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Qudian. “Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to executing our business transition and simultaneously maintaining prudent cash management to safeguard our balance sheet.”

First Quarter Financial Results

Total revenues were RMB55.8 million (US$7.7 million), representing an increase of 155.5% from RMB21.9 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Sales income and others increased to RMB55.8 million (US$7.7 million), which was mostly attributable to sales income generated by last-mile delivery business, compared with RMB21.9 million for the first quarter of 2023, which was mainly attributable to sales income generated by QD Food business. We have completely wound down the QD Food business in 2023.

Total operating costs and expenses increased to RMB128.4 million (US$17.8 million) from RMB83.9 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Cost of revenues increased to RMB58.0 million (US$8.0 million), which was mostly derived from cost related to last-mile delivery business, compared with RMB22.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, which mainly comprises cost related to QD Food business.

General and administrative expenses increased by 11.8% to RMB57.3 million (US$7.9 million) from RMB51.2 million for the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in staff head count as the Company continues to explore new business opportunities, which led to a corresponding increase in staff salaries.

Research and development expenses increased by 51.5% to RMB15.9 million (US$2.2 million) from RMB10.5 million for the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to the increase in staff head count as the Company continues to explore new business opportunities, which led to a corresponding increase in staff salaries.

Loss from operations was RMB72.5 million (US$10.0 million), compared to RMB28.9 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Interest and investment income, net decreased by 77.5% to RMB54.2 million (US$7.5 million) from RMB241.3 million for the first quarter of 2023, mainly due to the decrease of income from investments in the first quarter of 2024.

Gain/(loss) on derivative instrument was a loss of RMB36.5 million (US$5.1 million), compared to a gain of RMB286.9 million for the first quarter of 2023, mainly due to the decrease of realized investment income of derivative instrument in the first quarter of 2024.

Net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB73.6 million (US$10.2 million), compared to net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB414.3 million in the first quarter of 2023. Net loss per diluted ADS was RMB0.38 (US$0.05).

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders was RMB73.5 million (US$10.2 million), compared to Non-GAAP net income attributable to Qudian’s shareholders of RMB416.0 in the first quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net loss per diluted ADS was RMB0.38 (US$0.05).

Cash Flow

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of RMB7,040.0 million (US$975.0 million) and restricted cash of RMB53.6 million (US$7.4 million).

For the first quarter of 2024, net cash used in operating activities was RMB112.8 million (US$15.6 million), mainly due to payments for labor-related costs and expenses and purchase of time and structured deposit. Net cash provided by investing activities was RMB111.1 million (US$15.4 million), mainly due to the net proceeds from the redemption of short-term investments, and partially offset by purchase of property and equipment for the construction of the Company’s innovation park. Net cash used in financing activities was RMB190.0 million (US$26.3 million), mainly due to the repurchase of ordinary shares.

Last-mile Delivery Business

In response to the surging demand for cross-border e-commerce transactions, the Company has proactively sought innovative logistic services and solutions to meet global consumers’ expectations for swift and top-tier delivery services. In December 2022, the Company launched its last-mile delivery services under the brand name of “Fast Horse.” The business was initially launched on a trial basis and has gradually achieved meaningful scale in Australia during the second quarter of 2023. As of the date of this release, the Company’s last-mile delivery service is available in Australia and New Zealand.

Update on Share Repurchase

As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in June 2022, under which the Company may purchase up to US$200 million worth of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs over a 24-month period. From the launch of the share repurchase program on June 13, 2022 to the date of this release, the Company has in aggregate purchased 64.3 million ADSs in the open market for a total amount of approximately US$113.0 million (an average price of $1.8 per ADS) pursuant to the share repurchase program.

Subsequently, our Board has approved a new share repurchase program in March 2024 to purchase up to US$300 million worth of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs in the next 36 months starting from June 13, 2024, in addition to the existing share repurchase program established on June 13, 2022, scheduled to conclude on June 12, 2024.

About Qudian Inc.

Qudian Inc. (“Qudian”) is a consumer-oriented technology company. The Company historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers. Qudian is exploring innovative logistics services to satisfy consumers’ demand for e-commerce transactions by leveraging its technology capabilities.

For more information, please visit http://ir.qudian.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders, a Non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders helps identify underlying trends in our business by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, which are non-cash charges. We believe that Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders provides useful information about our operating results, enhances the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

Non-GAAP net income/loss attributable to Qudian’s shareholders is not defined under U.S. GAAP and is not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This Non-GAAP financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and when assessing our operating performance, cash flows or our liquidity, investors should not consider them in isolation, or as a substitute for net loss /income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other consolidated statements of operation and cash flow data prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

We mitigate these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance.

For more information on this Non-GAAP financial measure, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Exchange Rate Information

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2203 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 29, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Statement Regarding Preliminary Unaudited Financial Information

The unaudited financial information set out in this earnings release is preliminary and subject to potential adjustments. Adjustments to the consolidated financial statements may be identified when audit work has been performed for the Company’s year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. Qudian may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qudian’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Qudian’s goal and strategies; Qudian’s expansion plans; Qudian’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Qudian’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; Qudian’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Qudian’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Qudian does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Qudian Inc.
Tel: +86-592-596-8208
E-mail: ir@qudian.com

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Three months ended March 31,

(In thousands except for number

2023

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

Revenues:

Sales income and others

21,859

55,849

7,735

Total revenues

21,859

55,849

7,735

Operating cost and expenses:

Cost of revenues

(22,806)

(58,036)

(8,038)

Sales and marketing

(2,629)

(105)

(15)

General and administrative

(51,201)

(57,261)

(7,931)

Research and development

(10,466)

(15,853)

(2,196)

Expected credit reversal for receivables and other assets

5,900

3,223

446

Impairment loss from other assets

(2,661)

(350)

(48)

Total operating cost and expenses

(83,863)

(128,382)

(17,782)

Other operating income

33,144

22

3

Loss from operations

(28,860)

(72,511)

(10,044)

Interest and investment income, net

241,287

54,187

7,505

Gain/(Loss) from equity method investments

1,314

(1,377)

(191)

Gain/(Loss) on derivative instruments

286,850

(36,517)

(5,058)

Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net

(1,774)

218

30

Other income

1,605

7,391

1,024

Other expenses

(571)

(247)

(34)

Net income/(loss) before income taxes

499,851

(48,856)

(6,768)

Income tax expenses

(85,553)

(24,754)

(3,428)

Net income/(loss)

414,298

(73,610)

(10,196)

Net income/(loss) attributable to Qudian
Inc.’s  shareholders

414,298

(73,610)

(10,196)

Earnings/(Loss) per share for Class A and Class
B ordinary shares:

Basic

1.82

(0.38)

(0.05)

Diluted

1.81

(0.38)

(0.05)

Earnings/(Loss) per ADS (1 Class A ordinary
share equals 1 ADSs):

Basic

1.82

(0.38)

(0.05)

Diluted

1.81

(0.38)

(0.05)

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B
ordinary shares outstanding:

Basic

227,199,812

194,517,922

194,517,922

Diluted

229,412,998

199,633,026

199,633,026

Other comprehensive loss:

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(4,090)

24,076

3,335

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

410,208

(49,534)

(6,861)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)
attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders 

410,208

(49,534)

(6,861)

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

As of March 31,

(In thousands except for number

2023

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

ASSETS:

 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

7,207,343

7,039,968

975,024

 Restricted cash

59,435

53,644

7,430

Time and structured deposit

1,554,121

1,624,612

225,006

 Short-term investments

642,894

316,526

43,838

 Accounts receivables

25,877

36,149

5,007

 Other current assets

670,277

733,375

101,571

 Total current assets

10,159,947

9,804,274

1,357,876

 Non-current assets:

 Right-of-use assets

164,585

162,276

22,475

 Investment in equity method investee

136,804

149,750

20,740

 Long-term investments

210,591

210,436

29,145

 Property and equipment, net

1,308,338

1,340,884

185,710

 Intangible assets

3,093

2,929

406

 Other non-current assets

498,838

622,008

86,147

 Total non-current assets

2,322,249

2,488,283

344,623

TOTAL ASSETS

12,482,196

12,292,557

1,702,499

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)

As of December 31,

As of March 31,

(In thousands except for number

2023

2024

of shares and per-share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

RMB

RMB

US$

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

 Current liabilities: 

 Short-term lease liabilities

29,938

19,884

2,754

 Derivative instruments-liability

312,870

343,743

47,608

 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 

299,836

327,459

45,352

 Income tax payable 

111,842

97,647

13,524

 Total current liabilities 

754,486

788,733

109,238

 Non-current liabilities: 

 Long-term lease liabilities

39,759

49,688

6,882

 Total non-current liabilities 

39,759

49,688

6,882

 Total liabilities 

794,245

838,421

116,120

 Shareholders’ equity: 

 Class A Ordinary shares 

132

132

18

 Class B Ordinary shares 

44

44

6

 Treasury shares 

(899,628)

(1,082,373)

(149,907)

 Additional paid-in capital 

4,033,146

4,031,610

558,372

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

(24,130)

(55)

(8)

 Retained earnings 

8,578,387

8,504,778

1,177,898

 Total shareholders’ equity 

11,687,951

11,454,136

1,586,379

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY 

12,482,196

12,292,557

1,702,499

 

QUDIAN INC.

Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP And Non-GAAP Results

Three months ended March 31,

2023

2024

(In thousands except for number

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

of shares and per-share data)

RMB

RMB

US$

Total net income/(loss) attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders

414,298

(73,610)

(10,196)

Add: Share-based compensation expenses 

1,668

107

15

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to Qudian Inc.’s shareholders

415,966

(73,503)

(10,181)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per share—basic

1.83

(0.38)

(0.05)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per share—diluted

1.81

(0.38)

(0.05)

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

227,199,812

194,517,922

194,517,922

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

229,412,998

199,633,026

199,633,026

 

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SOURCE Qudian Inc.

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Pollo AI Releases Multi-Model Support, Offering All-in-One Video Generation Capabilities

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pollo AI, an innovative leader in AI-powered video generation, today announced the launch of a new feature that allows users to select from a range of well-known AI video models, making it an all-in-one AI video generation platform.

With the introduction of multi-model support, users can now choose from popular AI video models on Pollo AI, including Kling AI, Hailuo AI, Runway, Vidu AI, Luma AI, and PixVerse. The multi-model support is available on Pollo AI’s text to video and image to video generators. These model options enhance the versatility and customization of the Pollo AI platform, empowering creators to experience different technologies to produce their videos.

Camille Sawyer, CEO of HIX.AI, the parent company of Pollo AI, expressed her enthusiasm for the new feature, stating, “At Pollo AI, we believe in fostering creativity without limits. By integrating multiple AI models, Pollo AI has become an all-in-one platform enabling our users to explore diverse cutting-edge video generation technologies at one place.”

Each model offers distinct customization options that cater to various creative needs, such as output video style, video length, resolution, motion range, aspect ratio, and camera movement. This feature is designed to provide users with the flexibility to bring their visions to life in ways that best suit their projects on Pollo A.

It is seamless and intuitive to access and use the different models offered in this all-in-one AI video generator. After log in to your Pollo AI account, on the UI of the generators, you’ll find the option to select from the various available AI models. After choosing your preferred model, you can customize the settings it comes with and start your generation.

“We believe the multi-model support will ultimately enhance their storytelling capabilities,” Camille added. “This update is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our dedication to supporting creators in their artistic journeys.”

This multi-model support feature is now available to all users. For more information about this feature and to start creating with any of the models, visit https://pollo.ai/text-to-video or https://pollo.ai/image-to-video.

MEDIA CONTACT
Camille Sawyer
CEO, HIX.AI
support@pollo.ai 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pollo-ai-releases-multi-model-support-offering-all-in-one-video-generation-capabilities-302348811.html

SOURCE Pollo AI

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SUS ENVIRONMENT, Global Leading WtE Corporation, Launches New Brand Identity

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world’s population grows and industrialization accelerates, the conflict between energy and the environment is intensifying. The search for a balance between energy supply and environmental protection has become a crucial issue for global sustainable development.

In January 2025, SUS ENVIRONMENT launches new global brand identity. This renewal improves the brand image and enriches the brand connotation, bolstering its commitment to global sustainable development.

PART 1: Logo Renewal

The abbreviation “SUS”,” which is derived from “sustainable”,” emphasizes the company’s mission to create a cleaner and more friendly living environment through waste-to-energy solutions. Inspired by the traditional Chinese Tai Chi diagram, the graphic incorporates the concept of cyclic generation, shows the characteristics of energy recycling and expresses the brand endless vitality.

PART 2: Mission Connotation Expansion  

The refreshed brand highlights SUS ENVIRONMENT’S unwavering focus on stakeholder benefits:

Environmental Impact: Solving waste disposal challenges to create cleaner environments.Employee Well-Being: Promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness to enhance employee satisfaction.Community Engagement: Building supportive environments to improve community living standards.Business Integrity: Establishing fair and transparent practices to strengthen partnerships.

PART 3: Brand Colors

The primary colors of SUS ENVIRONMENT are blue and green to symbolize technological innovation and environmental protection. They are complemented by metallic gold and technical silver to convey high quality and stability. Together, these colors embody the core values of the brand: Professionalism, Innovation, Vitality, and Trustworthiness.

The new global brand identity heralds the next chapter for SUS ENVIRONMENT. In the future, SUS ENVIRONMENT will leverage its strength to make the world a better place.

About SUS ENVIRONMENT

SUS ENVIRONMENT is the world’s largest provider of waste incineration equipment and technology, as well as one of the top three investors and operators of waste-to-energy projects (low-carbon Eco-industrial parks) globally. 

As of June 2024, SUS ENVIRONMENT has established 10 management centers worldwide, providing environmental and energy services to over 100 million people. It has invested in and constructed 84 waste-to-energy projects (low-carbon Eco-industrial parks), with a daily processing capacity 110,000 tons of municipal solid waste and annual green power generation of approximately 18,000 GWh. Its equipment and technology are applied in 277 waste-to-energy plants across the world, comprising 518 incineration lines, with a daily capacity 290,000 tons of municipal solid waste. 

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SOURCE Shanghai SUS ENVIRONMENT Co.,Ltd.

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MitrEarth, a knowledge platform, identifies risk points, provides disaster warning, reduces losses

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BANGKOK, Thailand, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MitrEarth, an innovative online platform developed by Chulalongkorn University lecturers, simplifies geological knowledge and provides cutting-edge topographic data for each Thai province. It identifies risk points, delivers disaster warnings, and enhances community preparedness. The platform gained prominence when heavy rains and muddy water devastated Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, raising urgent questions: Where will the water flow? Will it reach our homes? Should we prepare to relocate?

Created by Prof. Dr. Santi Phailobli from Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Geology, MitrEarth addresses these concerns. Since its launch in 2019, it has become a trusted source for disaster-related information, gaining over 200,000 followers. Its topographic maps, developed using GIS tools and satellite data, enable users to understand their local terrain and assess disaster risks. These maps have been utilized by local authorities and public pages for disaster warnings and response planning.

During recent floods in Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Sukhothai, MitrEarth’s maps provided actionable insights. Pages like Chiang Rai Conversation and Ramrome Weather cited MitrEarth to warn residents in vulnerable areas. As Dr. Santi emphasizes, “Disasters, whether rare or frequent, can cause immense damage. Understanding geology helps us communicate and prepare effectively, reducing impacts.”

Dr. Santi’s platform also serves as an educational tool, offering free access to maps and resources for both teaching and disaster management. He advocates integrating disaster education into school curriculums, ensuring everyone understands local risks such as floods, mudslides, and tsunamis. Notably, he highlights the severe 2001 Phetchabun mudslide, which claimed 136 lives, as a reminder of the need for vigilance.

MitrEarth’s GIS maps play a crucial role in disaster management, offering detailed, real-time data tailored to various scenarios. The platform also collaborates with Chulalongkorn University’s Digital War Room, integrating predictive tools for floods and landslides. While Dr. Santi acknowledges AI’s potential in disaster forecasting, he believes Thailand lacks sufficient data for reliable implementation.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Santi remains committed to expanding MitrEarth’s capabilities. He continues to refine data sets, improve map accessibility, and engage directly with communities to enhance disaster preparedness. For those seeking to understand and mitigate natural disasters, MitrEarth offers a vital resource.

Explore more at the Facebook page mitrearth or mitrearth.org.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/207225/

Media Contact:        

Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th     

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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

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